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Real Talk | When the smoke clears: The legalization of marijuana in Illinois
Implicit biases that still exist with marijuana stem from “refer madness” from the early 1950s. Those biases were geared toward individuals living in poverty and the escape provided by marijuana. The mythology of marijuana is that it causes aggression; it…
Reflections From A Hindu Perspective | Art of debate
As our next presidential election looms closer, the sheer barbarism of the public arena vocalization filled me with great anguish. On the current political debate stages, behavior like blatant lying, interrupting the opponents, childish insults have become a norm for…
Serendipity | Holiday happiness
Music, memories, scents, sounds and other reminders help make Christmas the extravaganza it is today. We don’t all agree on how much of the details are charming because we view it from personal preferences. For some, it’s too much of…
West Peoria News | December updates
Township Supervisor Sharon Kennedy is looking for people interested in sharing what they know about the history of West Peoria. Kennedy can be reached at the township building, 2516 W. Rohmann, 9 a.m. until noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Call…
Labor Roundup | December 2019
National Labor Relations Board plans to ban RAs, TAs from unionizing, and activists such as Princeton University Research Assistant Hrishikesh Somayaji are protesting. “We simply need a union to be able to bargain for the rights that we deserve as…
Restoration: Coal Hollow Park
An environmental restoration is unfolding north of Chillicothe on the site of a former coal mine. Mike Contratto, center, works with park district employees and volunteers on a foot bridge at Coal Hollow Park. The bridge connects a new parking…
Racism is a health risk; CenteringPregnancy counters the risk
Medical research has carefully documented the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and more. But the health risk of racism was largely ignored. Statistics, however, are now emerging –– African American women are at…
Artist uses light, space, sky and landscape
When Craig Adcock lectures at the Riverfront Museum Nov. 14, he’ll not only present artist James Turrell to a Peoria-area audience probably unfamiliar with him. The program, presented by the Peoria Fine Arts Society, also will in some ways revisit…
Healthcare system “cracking” around abortion access; “Medical Students for Choice” steps in with help
Young people today are stunned by the possibility of losing Roe v. Wade. That includes medical students who see first hand how inadequate the formal curriculum is covering female reproductive choice at most medical schools. As more states enact increasingly…
Views & Perspectives | Impeachment a waste of time
I have written previously in this column that I believe attempts to impeach President Trump are a waste of time by the U.S. House of Representatives and will not lead to a conviction in the U.S. Senate. As someone who…
Straight Talk | Can’t believe it
For more than 35 years, my wife and I and our two sons lived in Wardcliffe and traveled multiple times each day on the two lanes of Forrest Hill from Lehman Road to University. Finally, due to speeding and congestion,…
Editorial | Kim Foxx: Diversity critical for justice and equality
People wiped away tears as they listened to Kim Foxx deliver the keynote address at the Peoria Bar Association’s 16th Annual Diversity Lunch. Foxx is the first African American woman to serve as Cook County State’s Attorney in the 100…
OpEd | The case against Amazon’s Ring doorbell
BY ZACHARY GITTRICH On July 23, the Peoria City Council entered into a contract with Ring Security, owned by Amazon, to provide discounted Ring security cameras to Peoria residents. The city council shelled out $50,000 to bring the cost down.…
The Watch | No news is bad news
Near tears, the mother of four said she was grateful to have shelter, but … She had no electricity or running water. She had trouble caring for her children. She hadn’t had a shower in weeks. She pleaded for help.…
Real Talk | Deep state or deep six
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again. As we go through another saga with the most corrupt administration in this…
Inland Art | Illinois Women Artists Project symposium
On Nov. 7, the Illinois Women Artists Project will host its Fifth biennial symposium at Bradley University, “Champions of the Environment, 1960s to the Present.” The subject is environmental activism, and it’s an event that shouldn’t be missed if you…
Art: What is it Good For? | Ten miles in two blocks
How can you walk 10 miles in two blocks? Organize a festival. While our feet, joints, muscles and skin (wind chapped lips) hurt, our physical discomfort was secondary to our joy in seeing proof that the arts matter. The proof…
Illinois Art League Holiday Market
The Illinois Art League is presenting its annual holiday market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at The Warehouse on State, 736 SW Washington St. next to Thyme Restaurant. Featured will be the original works of more than…
ArtsBeat | November 2019
Nov. 7 – 8: Bradley University Midwest Women Artists Symposium: Champions of the Environment. Free and open to the public. Nov. 7: 5 p.m., Karen McCoy, keynote “Art in the Age of Planetary Distress,” Caterpillar Global Communications Center. Nov. 8:…
Nature Rambles | Survival by degrees
Last month, I discussed a recent study published in Science Magazine concerning the real threat to migratory birds being posed by the increased use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Unfortunately, birders throughout Illinois are still experiencing a lack of birds. I just…
Bill Knight | Humans aren’t hopeless on climate change
Earth is at a “doom and bloom” point. While news almost daily reports dangers such as ozone threats to corn crops (University of Illinois reported last month), positives occur like the Pasta Straw (produced from bucatini by the U.K.’s Stroodles…